Ted Craig Regional Park California- Reception

David and Valerie's Pre-Wedding Fiesta!

Such a beautiful day At Ted Craig Regional Park in California. Brandon and i pulled into the park and without even seeing someone i recognized, i saw the decorations and knew immediately where David and Valerie's Pre Wedding Fiesta was! it was so gorgeous, colorful, and full of the most delicious snacks i couldn't stop photographing (and then eating...) 

i had the opportunity to photograph David and Valerie's engagement photos last summer, click HERE to check them out again! I can't say enough wonderful things about these two as a couple, and now that I've met their family how great they are too! 

There was not a detail that went unnoticed. Two beautiful (and seriously tasty raspberry mousse) cakes, candies, treats, decor and AMAZING food. Their families came together and really made this event absolutely perfect. They started at 8 am to get it all set up! 

these two gorgeous were in just a FEW photos! and i wish i could show them all! there are so many fabulous moments! 

mustache chocolates were a HUGE hit! i think i photographed almost everyone who picked up these yummy treats! so much fun! 

it was such a beautiful day, full of laughter, friends and family. I immediately felt like family as soon as i arrived, and am so thankful i was able to be there to celebrate this day! I only wish i could fit in that suitcase and go to Columbia to see your perfect wedding day! Congratulations you two, i will be praying for your wonderful marriage. 

Wedding at the Luxor hotel

This lovely couple traveled from D.C for a Las Vegas wedding in November! the ceremony was at the Chapel at Luxor and after Daryl and Whitney wanted just a few photos of their family and the two of them. We caught the gorgeous light just in time before it got chilly, and they did great! Their family was so welcoming and had so much fun.. especially the guys, tons of poses! 

here's just a few after the ceremony right outside the Luxor Hotel. 

Whitney's shoes were FABULOUS! loved the sparkle! 

told you the guys were posing! there are tons of them "modeling" 

we found such a beautiful spot to snap away, and Whitney you looked beautiful! 

thank you two for letting me be a part of your beautiful day, and i'm so glad i was able to be there and be with your fun family! 

five things.

All things wedding trends for 2013!

 i've been doing some research for top wedding trends for 2013! i know so many fabulous couples getting married this next year one, including my best friend! 

this first find i actually purchased for Rachelle before my research. i wanted to give her a few gifts that would've meant a lot to me when i got married, things people put off and don't always find the "perfect" detail in. these garters are gorgeous, and you can find any color combination you'd like. i think they're so fabulous and secretly wanted to still buy some for me! click HERE to go right to etsy to check them out! 

which also leads to the first trend for next year.. MINT! Green is the It color for this next wedding season!

another element popping up for decor are birds and bird cages, many which are containing flowers as centerpieces. wildflowers are still going to be popular this year too!

with many brides opting for a beautiful outdoor ceremony, back drops are going to be something to consider! so cute, with lights, poms, or streamers like this photo below.  

Brides want to pop a little color into their gown too! i've posted before about fabulous bright colored shoes, but now a little colored crinoline underneath the dress is a good way to tie into your wedding colors and your bridesmaid dresses too!

 

the last thing to remember is.. do it the way you want! This is one of the loudest and quickly growing trend. Contemporary couples are setting their weddings without some of the traditions like white shoes, inside churches, lot of attendants etc. so have fun, and let the wedding show off who you and your fiance are as a couple! 

i wanted to share a few wedding trends that you'll be seeing! is there anything you're doing for your wedding to incorporate this year's trends? i have to admit, i love the color underneath the wedding gown always a little extra for your photographer! 

i'll be sharing more wedding trends soon, and what to workout for your big day! if there's any trend you're wondering about, i'd love to hear from you and do some research! 

Andy and Kirsten's Minnesota Wedding at the Refuge

 One of the reasons i went back to Minnesota when i did was so i could attend Andy and Kirsten's wedding! If you don't remember, i had the pleasure of shooting their engagement photos! check them out again HERE! This time i came prepared with my camera (of course) but got to spend the time with friends and family. My best friend is the groom's sister, and my brother was a groomsmen. So not only did i get to see this fabulous couple, but spend time with other close friends, it was perfect. I also got to meet Kirsten's twin Jessica (in the pic below!) and yup, i couldn't help but love her entire family! i should've known after meeting kirsten the first time too and thinking how amazing she was!   

so here's a few photos of Andy and Kirsten's big day at the Refuge golf club in Oak Grove! 

i wasn't able to put my camera down, there was so many amazing details, laughter, and beauty this whole day. i'm so glad i was able to be there for your special day, and yes. i cried. 

congratulations you two, i couldn't be happier, and i can't wait to come back and have some more fun photo shoots and coffee dates this summer! 

ohh! and one more day to sign up for the contest going on! a $40 value frame from organic bloom. click HERE to sign up for one!  

Gena and Mike- wedding at The Four Seasons

Mike and Gena Nunez wedding sneak peek! 

This past Saturday i had the opportunity to second shoot for Ralph James of Pin Up Bride Photography again. I got to spend some time while the girls were getting ready and enjoying a few hours together. Gena is such a sweet heart with a soft spirit. I always find it so touching when bridesmaids and the MOB are there for every moment, sharing those happy tears. One of my favorite moments of the morning was watching Gena and her mother talk, cry and hug on each other as they were both all ready. i admit.. i still have moments where i tear up behind the camera.... that was one of them. 

There were so many amazing details of their day! Gena's Veil was her mother's, and her parents were married 36 years ago! 

i couldn't help but snap away tons of photos when they were laughing and loving on one another. but here's a few sweet moments! 

The girls decided to do a shot or two for a photo, and i loved how much fun they were having the whole day! Gena... you have some GREAT bridesmaids! 

i headed over the guys' room where it was just them watching football. I stole them away from the TV enough to walk around Mandalay Bay and get some fun shots in, before we headed over to get ready for the ceremony! 

The whole group! 

the gorgeous decor! Pin Up Bride Planners always does such a perfect job! The top photo is the sweet heart table for the bride and groom, and the awesome ice sculpture you see held a shot. seriously. awesome. 

seeing some of the details, what were some favorites from your wedding!? 

Thank you Ralph for letting me second shoot this lovely wedding, i had an absolute blast and as always.. couldn't help myself from dancing to a few songs. 

Gena and Mike, it was wonderful to meet you, and thank you for letting me help photograph your big day!